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Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston (Our Boat Tour Experience)

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Choosing A Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston Can Be Tough!

Want to explore the famous Thousand Islands region in the Saint Lawrence River? Great idea!

This beautiful region is a piece of classic “Canadiana” and – as a simple day trip from Kingston – there’s no better way to explore it than by water on an island cruise!

As a refresher, the 1000 Islands are a geographically and historically significant area of the St. Lawrence shared between Ontario (Canada) and New York State (United States).

That said, there are a few cruises to choose from and it can be confusing to find the best island cruise for you. Some cruises offer breakfast or dinner while others vary by tour boat prices and lengths.

Being Kingston locals for several years, we did the 3 Hour Thousand Islands Riverboat Cruise from Kingston . Eric had already done the Kingston sunset cruise, but Lisa hadn’t been out on the water yet.

So, in this guide, you’ll see what we experienced and get an overview of different 1000 Island boat tours available that leave from Kingston. If you want to leave from Gananoque, you can check here for Gananoque Boat Line . You can even tour from the USA with Uncle Sam Boat Tours.

* Friendly Disclosure: We paid for the boat tour we did ourselves – this is not a sponsored post .

Table of Contents

Thousand Islands Cruise – Boat Tour Options

If you know the kind of boat tour you’re looking for, feel free to jump ahead and click through to learn more below.

Be sure to make note of the specific details, the reviews, addresses, how to book, etc. All you have to do is book the one you like and show up to the waterfront!

• For the Classic 3 Hour Thousand Islands Cruise (We Did This) – Check Out This Boat Tour
• For the 1.5-Hour Discovery Cruise – Check Out This Boat Tour
• For a Sunset Dinner Cruise – Check Out This Site

Below, you’ll find more details about the above boat cruise tours so keep reading to make the right decision for you and your group!

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Classic 3 Hour Thousand Island Riverboat Tour (Our Tour)

If you want to experience the 1000 Islands, the cruise that we did is probably the best bet.

This cruise explored an area called The Admiralty Islands (which was beautiful) and is entirely sightseeing so you don’t get off the boat. Tour times for this longer tour are 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. We did the 10:30 am.

There is also no meal included – but you get live entertainment and amazing views of the historic waterway.

This tour also comes with audio commentary (which is really interesting) in English and there are audio guides available for Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese!

Overall, we really liked our tour – it was well organized and enjoyable. There’s a shop on-board where you can buy alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and even snacks/food like popcorn.

This tour can actually be done with a breakfast or brunch add-on but this is a different ticket altogether.

You can read about our sightseeing tour in more detail below – we’ve included LOTS of photos so you can get see what we saw on tour!

⇒ Check out the exact sightseeing cruise we went on here

Kingston & 1000 Islands: 1.5-Hour Discovery Cruise

If you’re short on time but want to get out on the Kingston waterfront, you can always do a 1.5 Hour Kingston Discovery Cruise. This cruise is on a smaller boat than the Island Queen (what we took) called the Island Belle.

To compare, this cruise focuses much more heavily on Kingston and not so much on seeing the Islands. The tour covers the rich history of Canada’s first capital city and the waterways that shaped our nation – which is admittedly very interesting!

Since the cruise is shorter, they offer more times throughout the day. You can book to leave at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, or 5:00 pm. The 5:00 pm wouldn’t be quite at sunset but close enough and certainly not as hot as midday!

This tour also comes with audio commentary in English and audio guides for Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese!

⇒ Check the times to book your 1.5 Hour Island Discovery Cruise

Sunset Dinner Cruise

If you’re keen to have a meal and experience the sunset on the water, you can book a sunset dinner cruise. These cruises make use of the long, flat, glass-domed roof boat called the Island Star.

Cruises are 3 hours long and tables by the windows book up in advance so be sure to lock in your cruise if you know you want this option!

⇒ Check the prices and times here

Our Thousand Islands Cruise Experience

Since there are quite a few options, we went on a boat tour to show you exactly what it’s like.

The tour itself is run through Kingston Destination Group – the same group that runs the Tourist Information Centre downtown in Confederation Park and handles lots of Kingston tourism tours/activities like the famous Kingston Trolley Tour .

Overall, we really liked our tour. We knew it was sightseeing which meant 3 hours of sailing around in the sunshine and learning about stuff. That worked perfectly for us – and many others on the boat also enjoyed the tour!

We booked the boat cruise through GetYourGuide (a really good travel company) because the official tour booking website used to be very outdated.

That said, you can also book in person when you get to Kingston. However, the summer months are VERY busy in Kingston so some of these tours might sell out if you wait.

Personal advice: If you know the day you want to cruise, we’d suggest booking in advance.

After having booked online, we just walked up to the Kingston ticket pavilion before the cruise, showed the email voucher we got and received our paper tour tickets. Simple.

If you want to learn more about the tour and/or booking process, you can check out our boat tour here .

What You’ll Need For This Boat Tour

If you do end up on this sightseeing cruise, here’s a shortlist of the things you might want to have with you for a great day on the water. Some of these items are weather dependent, but in general:

• A hat – with a string to stay around the neck in wind
• A windbreaker jacket (in the spring or fall)
• A water bottle
• Hair tie (if you have longer hair)
• Seasickness pills (it’s not too rough, though)

Thousand Islands Cruise Itinerary

So, to give you a better idea of exactly what we experienced on our island cruise, here’s a detailed breakdown of the day.

The boat tour was advertised as 3 hours long and it ended up being a little longer (by about 10 minutes) because the boat had to slow down in the high water around the islands.

Pick-up/Drop-off

We started our day at the Kingston waterfront. If you are unfamiliar with Kingston, head for the massive building called Kingston City Hall.

On the side that faces the water, you will see a large green park called Confederation Basin/Park. This is the park full of attractions and the Kingston Tourist Information Centre.

In the water, (that’s Lake Ontario), you’ll see many small boats at the Kingston waterfront docks. Looking at the water, look left and you will see the large tour boats (you physically cannot miss them) and the round ticket pavilion that says “BOAT TOURS” on the side.

The address for this ticket office and island cruise boat pier is: 1 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1, Canada

The tour boats leave from this above address and NOT where you catch the ferry to Wolfe Island – which is located at Barrack St, Kingston, ON K7K 2X9, Canada.

As expected, we went into the office, exchanged our online voucher for paper tickets, and walked to the nearby pier where a line was forming to get on the boat.

We were 30 minutes early and it’s wise to be early so you get good seats on the boat and so you aren’t running down the dock as it sails away!

We got our tickets checked, got a souvenir photo taken, and climbed aboard. We immediately went to the top deck where it’s open to the sun and the air but you can sit on the first deck (shown above) or the second deck for some shade and still have amazing views.

At the end of the day, the boat returned to this exact spot on the pier. We got off, thanked the crew, had a look at our souvenir photo (didn’t buy it but honestly ALMOST did), and walked downtown for dinner and a drink!

Heading For The Thousand Islands From Kingston

Once we pushed off from the pier, they went over safety procedures thoroughly which was really good. With that many people aboard it was good to know there was a plan in place if things went bad out on the water.

The entertainer introduced himself – he was an older gentleman who played classic tunes on both a banjo and a guitar.

He was hooked up to the loudspeaker so he could wander the decks and take requests from people. He was really good – and provided some comedic commentary.

Heading out of the Kingston waterfront, the entertainer shared time with the audio guide which was a narration over the loudspeakers.

The guide was actually really interesting and shared historical dates, locations of events, shipwrecks, famous battles, you name it! We learned a ton in the first leg of the trip.

We passed Wolfe Island and left Kingston behind as we headed up the Saint Lawrence. The cottages/homes on the shore were lovely and the whole area, in general, is just really, really pretty.

It was the perfect day weather-wise, too. We actually went inside for a bit because we didn’t want to get TOO much sun!

If you want, you can grab a snack or a drink at either “shop” they have on both the first and second interior decks. Families with kids were snacking on popcorn and some people even cracked a bottle of wine or a beer.

We didn’t buy anything so we don’t know about prices – but many people took advantage of the food and drinks for purchase.

Arriving At The Thousand Islands

After about an hour we arrived at the edge of the Thousand Islands. It does take a bit to actually get there but the ride was lovely (and lively) so we didn’t mind.

On this cruise, you learn all about the island chain – and explore a region of islands called the Admiralty Islands.

We learned that different parts of the islands were named by different people or groups and so that’s why there are different naming conventions all through the region! In any case, the Admiralty Islands were lovely.

Touring The Thousand Islands

Once “in” the islands, the boat started weaving between big ones, small ones, etc. The audio commentary started up and provided the names of the important islands and the history of it.

Usually, there was a historic cottage or building on it built by someone from “back in the day” – each with a small story attached.

The fact that basically every island had a short story attached made the experience so much richer. If they said “here’s a bunch of islands” it would have been pretty but boring.

However, learning the names and getting a sense of the history of the area was very worth the trip… and we just scratched the surface!

It was also easy to see the islands and snap photos from any of the decks so don’t feel like you have to stand at the top the whole time.

The large port windows make for excellent photo-taking spots – and these seats are closer to the bar and the snacks!

At one point, we could even see the waterfront of Gananoque in the distance. The small town – being even closer to the actual islands – is also rich with history.

We’ll write about Gananoque on this site soon because even Eric hasn’t explored the town in-depth yet!

Returning To Kingston

Once we zigzagged around the islands for a while, we left the grouping of islands to enter the big river again. And back to Kingston we went.

The entertainer started up again to play a few songs and take requests – and we enjoyed the sunshine and snapped as many photos as we could.

Eventually, you start to recognize the Martello Towers (the stone towers with red tops built by the British) and know that you are back in the waters near Kingston.

You actually learn more on the way back but not as much from the audio commentary as heading out for the day.

Once we got back – as we mentioned above – it was great to see Kingston from the water for a change and snapped lots of photos.

We docked, waited not too long to get off, had a look at our souvenir photo, and went downtown for a drink! The captain and crew were there to see us off and it was a great way to end the day.

Related Articles

If you are hanging around Kingston (or travelling to Kingston from Toronto ), check out these other posts for trip planning – we know LOTS about the historic city!

• Things to Do and See in Kingston
• Great Restaurants + Bars & Pubs in Kingston
• Awesome Kingston Breweries to Visit
• Coffee Shops in Kingston You Should Try
• Where to Stay in Kingston

And there you have it – our experience on a Thousand Islands cruise from Kingston. What do you think? Have you been on any of these boat tours before?

We honestly really liked the boat tour we went on . That said, let us know how your island cruise goes – we’re always interested in hearing about the best experiences Ontario has to offer!

As always, Keep exploring, eh? -E&L

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Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

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Uncle Sam Boat Tours: 1000 Islands Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay NY

Uncle Sam Boat Tours Thousand Islands, New York

Any of our daytime tours offer an optional stop at Boldt Castle at the end of the tour. If you choose to disembark at the castle you can purchase the castle admission at the ticket booth on the island.

Come explore one of America’s greatest vacation getaways, the Thousand Islands, in Alexandria Bay, NY. Here you can find magnificent homes, including historic American Castles and modern mansions, all carefully placed throughout one of nature’s most picturesque settings. Uncle Sam Boat Tours is family-operated and has been navigating these waters since 1926!!!

Contact our office with any questions at 315-482-2611 ext. 131 or [email protected] . 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

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About Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Uncle Sam Boat Tours invites you to cruise the St. Lawrence River and explore the famous Thousand Islands. Uncle Sam Boat Tours has been providing guided tours of the Thousand Islands for nearly 100 years from our downtown Alexandria Bay location, directly across from Boldt Castle.

Uncle Sam Boat Tours provides a variety of regularly scheduled 1000 Islands sightseeing cruises as well as luncheon  and  dinner  cruises. We are also the ONLY tour company that allows guests an unlimited visit to Boldt Castle and Heart Island. It’s not just a tour; it’s an unforgettable experience!

The most popular option is the 2 Nation Tour. Departing from the heart of the Thousand Islands, Alexandria Bay, NY. This narrated tour offers you historic and scenic wonders of American and Canadian waters; no passport required! At the end of each trip, there is an optional stop at the world-famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island for an unlimited self-guided tour. Click here for more information about Boldt Castle .

Join us for a wonderful time on the water!

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Uncle Sam has been providing scenic cruises of the Thousand Islands for over 85 years from its downtown Alexandria Bay, NY, location.

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Take in the sights and sounds of the Thousand Islands from the comfort of a tour boat. Public and private cruises are available from Kingston to Brockville. Thematic cruises highlight the cultural and natural places of interest. Routes and prices vary. Find the following Canadian operators organized by location.

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See the 1000 Islands! The world-famous 1000 Islands begin in Kingston and span the St. Lawrence River for miles. Wind your way through the small cottage islands of the Admiralty group featuring Napoleon’s Hat, Wanderer’s Channel, the opulent Mandalay Mansion and the historic sights of Kingston on the Heart of the Islands Sightseeing Cruise.

Experience the 1000 Islands

Cruise from downtown Kingston into the heart of the Admiralty Islands, home to the highest concentration of small cottage islands and picturesque channels in the 1000 Islands. The Heart of the Islands Cruise is our most in-depth cruise in the 1000 Islands: it’s the perfect way to explore the scenery that has made the region famous throughout the world.

Onboard you’ll enjoy live entertainment and live-hosted commentary which describes the history and folklore of the 1000 Islands. A full service-bar and canteen is available. The 3-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise is also available with Lunch daily.

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Schedule: Spring   (April 20-June 27)   and Fall   (Sept 3-Oct 27) departs at 12:30pm. Summer  (June 28-Sept 2) departs at 10:30am and 2pm.

The Island Queen Awaits!

Set sail for the 1000 Islands on this 3 hour sightseeing cruise.

Live musical entertainment will set the tone for the perfect 1000 Islands experience.

A full service bar, serving wine, cocktails and beer is available onboard for purchase.

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Home > Cruise Destinations > Kingston & 1000 Islands

Kingston & 1000 Islands

Kingston is the home port of the m/v canadian empress. all cruises either begin or conclude in this historic city. kingston is located at the beginning of the st. lawrence river and the southern mouth of the rideau canal. kingston once was a strategic military outpost and the first capital of the province of canada. kingston is now a city known for its educational institutions with queen's university, st. lawrence college & the royal military college. tourism makes up a large portion of the local economy., upper river expedition, overnight ports from kingston to upper canada village to kingston, 1000 islands anchorage    brockville   upper canada village    gananoque, seaway discovery cruise, overnight ports from kingston to montreal to kingston, 1000 islands anchorage    upper canada village   coteau landing   montreal cornwall   morrisburg    brockville, fall harvest and colour cruise, celebration of spring, heritage summer cruise, canadian connection east, overnight ports from kingston to quebec city, 1000 islands anchorage    brockville   upper canada village    coteau landing   montreal    trois rivieres, canadian connection west, overnight ports from quebec city to kingston, quebec city    trois rivieres    montreal    cornwall   brockville   gananoque, canada's capital north, overnight ports from kingston to ottawa, 1000 islands anchorage    upper canada village    coteau landing   lachine, a borough of montreal    montebello, canada's capital south, overnight ports from ottawa to kingston, ottawa    carillon   lachine, a borough of montreal   upper canada village   brockville, cruise choices, join us as we kick off the 2024 cruise season with 7 nights and 8 days of fresh spring air on the st. lawrence river and watch the flora and fauna of the river spring to life. this cruise features a unique itinerary and travels from kingston to montreal and return for 7 nights at a special 6 night rate. starting at $3144 cad per person., explore cruise, cruise with us in the heart of the summer for 7 nights and 8 days of relaxation on the st. lawrence river. this cruise travels from kingston to montreal and return, and features a unique itinerary that highlights the history of the international seaway. during this time of year the river bustles with lake freighters and pleasure boats. starting at $4076 per person., cruise with us for 7 nights and 8 days of warm summer weather on the beautiful and historic st. lawrence river. this cruise will explore the thousand islands region and retrace the routes of early upper canada explorers. learn about the history of the early trade route between kingston and montreal. starting at $4076 per person., discovery cruise series, these 4 night, 5 day cruises were created for those that want to deepen their knowledge of the history, geography, and culture of the 1000 islands and st. lawrence river. discovery cruise itineraries are enhanced with unique attractions, step-on speakers, and an educational focus. starting at $2096 per person., canada's capital cruise, start or end your cruise vacation in canada's capital of ottawa. the historic significance of the lower ottawa river coupled with the amazing 1000 islands and st. lawrence seaway makes this 5 night, 6 day cruise an unforgettable voyage. starting at $2910 per person., come and explore the beauty and the history of the st. lawrence river and the 1000 islands for 4 nights and 5 days. marvel at the intricate passages and channels of this amazing archipelago of 1870 islands known as the 1000 islands. starting at $2096 per person., fall harvest & colour cruise, as autumn unfolds, the shore and islands ignite with a blaze of colour and travellers come from far and wide to take part in this parade of colour for 7 nights and 8 days. the comibination of fall colours and the invigorating river climate makes this our most popular cruise vacation. starting at $4076 cad per person., canadian connection cruise, experience the beauty of quebec and the richness of french canadian culture on this cruise as your ship passes through all 7 of the st. lawrence seaway locks. this cruise vacation includes 6 nights 7 days on canada's showpiece, the st. lawrence river, between quebec city and kingston, ontario. starting at $3144 cad per person., additional savings, save on your next adventure — discover additional packages & savings on all available cruises., explore savings, talk to an expert & book your vacation 1 800 267 7868, employment • faq • cancellation policy • privacy policy, ©2022 - 2023 st. lawrence cruise lines, website designed & maintained by aliado marketing group..

1000 Islands Cruises — Gananoque

Looking for 1000 Islands cruises? Hop on with City Cruises Gananoque (formerly Gananoque Boat Line), Gananoque’s very first tour boat company. It operates five triple-decker, all-aluminum vessels with on board facilities such as restrooms, coffee shops, bars and refreshment areas. Each boat has its own open deck and two enclosed decks.

City Cruises Gananoque is located at 280 Main Street in the town of Gananoque, in southeastern Ontario. Gananoque is about a two-hour drive along the ON-401 E from Toronto, and 90 minutes from Ottawa.

To learn more information about tours, bookings, and general information about City Cruises Gananoque, we recommend that you visit their official website . For more information about what you can see around the area, keep scrolling to read Destination Ontario’s recommendations.

Accessibility Features

Accessible entrances/exits, accessible parking, accessible restaurant, accessible seating, accessible washroom, assistive listening devices available, service animals welcome, support persons welcome, universal washroom, wheelchair accessible, wheelchair and/or mobility devices available, more about 1000 islands cruises — gananoque.

City Cruises Gananoque started out with a local mailman taking passengers along on his boat as he delivered mail to residents living on the 1000 Islands. In 1951, the boat line grew to include Linda 7, a wooden tour boat that could hold 55 passengers. A few years later it was joined by four more wooden, single-decker boats: Linda 4, Miss Rockport 2, the Island Wanderer, and Pickle. In the 1960s, Miss Gananoque 1 and Miss Gananoque 2 joined the roster.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the City Cruises Gananoque started building its current vessels, starting with the Thousand Islander. It spanned almost 34 metres, had three decks, and could carry 380 people. When it set sail, it became the first, all-aluminum tourist vessel in North America.

Today, City Cruises Gananoque offers many tours to choose from. For visitors wanting a quick introduction of the 1000 Islands, there's the Landmarks of the 1000 Islands Cruise. The tour takes visitors around 1000 Islands’ most well-known landmarks including the Statue of St. Lawrence, the 1000 Islands International Bridge (the shortest international bridge in the world), Zavikon Island and Boldt Castle.

Visitors curious about the 1000 Islands’ history will want to get on the Original Heart of the 1000 Islands Cruise. It takes passengers for a one-hour jaunt around the Admiralty and Navy group of Islands, and provides a close look at several generations-old cottages and summer homes dotting the islands.

Visit ghost ships resting underwater with the two-and-a-half hours Lost Ships of the 1000 Islands Cruise. The tour visits seven 18th to 19th century shipwrecks while using video and audio commentary, as well as side-scan sonar images to bring their stories to life. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the famous Boldt Castle, St. Lawrence Statue, 1000 Islands International Bridge, as well as the many lavish homes that stand on Millionaire’s Row.

Chase the sunset on the Sunset Cruise, a favourite among photographers and romantics alike. It takes visitors on a one-and-a-half hour cruise around the Admiralty Group of Islands, with intimate views of UNESCO and Parks Canada-classified islands, and details their unique ecosystems and aquatic wildlife––all while surrounded by the dazzling colours of the setting sun.

Visitors who appreciate a good love story will want to hop aboard the Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise. The tour goes around all of usual 1000 Island haunts, but also makes a 2 hour stopover at Boldt Castle, allowing passengers to explore the castle and its grounds. The Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island, was built by the proprietor of world-renowned Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, George C Boldt. Originally intended to be a grandiose symbol of love for his wife, it was hastily abandoned when his wife died in 1904.

Please note, all visitors to Heart Island (Boldt Castle) will be required to have a valid passport or a valid VISA and passport since Heart Island is an American Island.

The boats undergo constant inspections and certifications by Transport Canada, so you can be sure you’re boarding a boat with high safety standards every time.

Looking for more things to do after a tour with City Cruises Gananoque? Explore the town of Gananoque by taking a walk around the many sculptures at Sculpture Park , or splash around historic Joel Heritage Park and Beach. Try your luck with any of the 500 slot machines at the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands , or catch a show at the historic  Thousand Island Playhouse .

Last updated:  April 15, 2024

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Clayton Island Tours

Thousand islands cruises on the st. lawrence river.

Clayton Island Tours offers the 1000 Islands’ most unique boat tour experience on our 43-65 passenger boats. Enjoy an uncrowded, intimate tour with our highly professional and friendly staff as they share the legends and lore of the beautiful St. Lawrence River.

Our Best-Selling Thousand Islands Boat Tours

• Our Best Selling Tour!
• Clock 11:30am
• Hour Glass 5.0 hours

The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour in the 1000 Islands

Designed for those who wish to see the most attractions in an afternoon from the river!  Tour the 1000 islands on the St. Lawrence River through US and Canadian Waters, visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.  Picnic Lunch and all admissions included.

• #1 Attraction on the River
• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour

Experience the most unique and complete Boldt Castle Tour in the 1000 Islands.   Narrated & intimate boat tour travels over 27 unique miles among the islands through US and Canadian waters on the St. Lawrence River .  Stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island to explore the grounds and castle.

• Only Public Tour to Rock Island Lighthouse
• Hour Glass 2.75

Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Glide through the clean waters of the 1000 Islands on our Glass Bottomed Boat, “The Night Heron,” for an unparalleled view of this mighty river we call The St. Lawrence. Bring your camera because this tour offers many unique opportunities to photograph natural settings, many bird species (perhaps even a Great Blue Heron), ships traveling from around the world, and so much more!

• NEW for 2024!
• Clock 9:30am
• Hour Glass 5.5 hours

The 1000 Islands Ultimate Breakfast Tour

Enjoy a Buffet Breakfast as you experience our one of a kind “Heart of the 1000 Islands Tour!”   Your opportunity to walk on two of the islands along the St. Lawrence River and get up close to many more of the 1000 Islands.

Welcome to Clayton Island Tours!

Experience the grandeur and beauty of the 1000 Islands Region the Clayton Island Tours way.  Our family-oriented tours get you closer to the islands and offer magnificent views of premier sights such as giant Great Lakes freighters, lighthouses, magnificent island homes and the American Span of the Thousand Islands International Bridge up close.Daily stops to Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse are available. All tours have many photo opportunities and cruise areas of the 1000 Islands not seen on other tours.

Clayton Island Tour Events

Dreaming of a wedding out at sea? Or ready to take your next corporate party to the next level? Our private charters, weddings and events offer guests a chance to enjoy the lovely 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River area.

Clayton Island Tours can provide a full bar and dining options depending on the occasion. From your bachelor or bachelorette party to your “I dos,” we can provide a serene or festive setting to celebrate. Check out our “private charters” page to find out more information, and feel free to reach out to our team at Clayton Island Tours with your questions.

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With Over 1500 Reviews, We're The #1 Tour In Clayton!

Went on the Boldt Castle two nation tour. Very friendly captain and narrator. The price is very reasonable compared to going from Canadian side. We would definitely recommend this trip to all!!

My husband and I had a great time on this trip. We were able to get an up close view of the Thousand Islands. Capt. Jack and Mike were great. They shared a lot of knowledge with us and even more laughs.

The tour was great! The Captain and tour guide were very informative, friendly and funny. I only wish we had more time to explore Boldt Castle. Would definitely recommend the trip and wold come back!

This trip was well worth it. Our Captain Ron and Tour Guide Ken were both very friendly, knowledgeable, and interesting. The views that we had from this boat were breathtaking.

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Contact us anytime for more information on any of our cruises and services. We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have, so please select the appropriate department for your inquiry from the list below:

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1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises

Our Physical location is:

30 Block House Island Pkwy. Brockville, Ontario, CANADA K6V 4S9

Our mailing address is:

P.O. Box 1465 Brockville, Ontario, CANADA K6V 5Y6

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[email protected]

Our contact numbers are:

Phone: (613) 345-7333 Toll Free: 800-353-3157 Fax: (613) 345-6454

WhatsApp: +01 6137201859

The TALL SHIPS return to Brockville…June 24-26, 2022

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Thousand islands - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

THE 10 BEST Ontario's Thousand Islands Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in ontario's thousand islands.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Speed Boats Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
• Thousand Islands Bridge
• City Cruises Gananoque
• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• 1000 Islands Tower
• Saint Lawrence River
• Singer Castle
• Wellesley Island State Park
• Clayton Island Tours
• Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
• Brockville Railway Tunnel
• Wellesley Island
• Thousand Islands
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour

2. 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

3. 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

4. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea with views of Boldt Castle

5. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

6. 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

7. Half Day Breakfast Tour in 1000 Islands

8. Private 1.5 hour 1000 Islands Cruise for up to 10 people

9. 1 hour 'Singer Castle Express' Wildcat 1000 Islands Cruise

10. 2 hour 1000 Islands 'Castle Prowler' WildCat Cruise

What travellers are saying.

• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque
• 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea with views of Boldt Castle
• 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise
• Cove Dweller Boat Works
• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• Rockport Cruises
• Houseboat Holidays - Private Day Charters
• 1000 Islands Kayaking
• Big Rideau Lake Boat Rentals

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Ready to plan your trip the 1000 Islands? Get a place to stay, find things to do, explore our communities, map out your first-time visit or attend a cool event.

You can also request a copy of our brochures, sign up for our email list or contact us directly.

Whether you drive or fly, come for the water or land, plan on a great stay in one of the world’s most unique international locations. We’ll see you soon!

1000 Islands International Tourism Council

43373 Collins Landing Alexandria Bay, New York 13607 Description: NYS Welcome Center at the 1000 Islands International Bridge Toll-Free Phone: 800-8-ISLAND Local Phone: 315-482-2520 [email protected]

Chambers of Commerce

1000 islands gananoque chamber of commerce.

215 Stone St. South Gananoque, Ontario K7G 2A3 Toll-Free Phone: 800-561-1595 Local Phone: 613-382-3250 [email protected]

Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce

7 Market St. Alexandria Bay, New York 13607 Local Phone: 315-482-9531 [email protected]

Brockville Tourism and District Chamber of Commerce

10 Market St. West Brockville, Ontario K6V 4R7 Toll-Free Phone: 888-251-7676 Local Phone: 613-342-4357 [email protected]

Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce

175 North James St. PO Box 482 Cape Vincent, New York 13618 Local Phone: 315-654-2481 [email protected]

Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce

120 S. Mechanic St. Carthage, New York 13619 Local Phone: 315-493-3590 [email protected]

Chaumont/Three Mile Bay Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 282 Chaumont, NY 13622 Local Phone: 315-777-5442 [email protected]

Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce

517 Riverside Drive Clayton, New York 13624 Toll-Free Phone: 800-252-9806 Local Phone: 315-686-3771 [email protected]

Cornwall And The Counties

11 Water St. West Cornwall, Ontario K6J 1A1 Toll-Free Phone: 800-937-4748 Local Phone: 613-938-4748 [email protected]

Downtown Brockville Business Improvement Area

3 Market St. West Brockville, Ontario K6V 7L2 Local Phone: 613-345-3269 Toll-Free Phone: 877-994-9916

Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

67 Brock St. Kingston, Ontario K7L 1R8 Local Phone: 613-548-4453 [email protected]

Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce

1241 Coffeen St. Watertown, New York 13601 Local: 315-788-4400 [email protected]

Ontario Parks

Natural Resources Information Center/MNR PO Box 7000 Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 Toll-Free Phone: 800-667-1940

Orleans Business Association

PO Box 231 LaFargeville, New York 13656 Local Phone: 315-658-9950

Parks Canada

National Office 25 Eddy St. Hull, Quebec K1A 0M5 [email protected]

Prescott Tourism (Chamber of Commerce)

PO Box 2000 Prescott, Ontario 0E 1T0 Local Phone: 613-925-1861 or 613-925-2812 [email protected]

Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada

34A Beckwith St. South Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 2A8 Toll-Free Phone: 800-230-0016 Local Phone: 613-283-5170 [email protected]

Sackets Harbor Visitor Center

301 W. Main St. Sackets Harbor, New York 13685 Local Phone: 315-646-2321 [email protected]

Seaway Trail

Ray and West Main Streets Sackets Harbor, New York 13685 Toll-Free Phone: 800-SEAWAY-T Local Phone: 315-646-1000 [email protected]

St. Lawrence Parks Commission

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, Ontario K0C 1X0 Toll-Free Phone: 800-437-2233 Local Phone: 613-543-4328 [email protected]

Thousand Islands National Park of Canada

2 County Rd. 5, RR3 Mallorytown, Ontario K0E 1R0 Toll-Free Phone: 800-230-0016 Local Phone: 613-923-5261 [email protected]

Thousand Islands State Parks Region

Keewaydin State Park PO Box 247, 45165 State Route 12 Alexandria Bay, New York 13607 Toll-Free Phone: 800-456-CAMP Local Phone: 315-482-2593

Wolfe Island Business & Tourism Association

PO Box 132 Wolfe Island, Ontario K0H 2Y0 Local Phone: 613-385-1875 [email protected]

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City Cruises Canada – Gananoque

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City cruises gananoque blog.

Get Together in Gananoque for Father’s Day 2024

No matter where you are in the world, Father’s Day is a day to celebrate and show gratitude for the father figures in our lives. Whether it’s for your father,

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So, another year older, eh? Every birthday is a blessing and should be treated as such. Which means, you guessed it, every birthday needs a proper celebration! And this year,

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top cruises in gananoque.

• 1–hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 1–hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
• 3-hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
• 5-hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise

More about the best boat tours in Gananoque?

Are private boat charters in gananoque.

• 1000 Islands Charters

Which landmarks and famous sights can you see on a Gananoque cruise?

Water & boat attractions in gananoque.

1000 Islands Cruises from Gananoque and Ivy Lea | Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour | Exclusive first on the boat Niagara Falls Tour & Journey Behind the Falls | Falls Fireworks Cruise | Toronto Harbour Dining and Sightseeing Cruises

Things to do near Gananoque

Things to do in Toronto | Things to do in Niagara Falls | Things to do in New York | Things to do in Chicago | Things to do in Philadelphia | Things to do in Washington DC | Things to do in Baltimore

Recommended for Gananoque

Niagara Water Power: Skylon Tower & Tailrace Tunnel Tour | Niagara at Night: Wine Tasting and Illumination Tower Experience | NYC Cruises | City Cruises New York | Devour Food & Drink Tours | Walks | Statue Cruises | Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour | New York Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour | Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

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Thing to Do

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Everglades National Park Adventures

• Ticket office has a ramp leading from the parking lot to the interior.
• The 49-passenger pontoon is accessible via a ramp from the dock. The boat's deck has space for wheelchairs next to its bench seats.
• For a complete description of accessible features, please contact the tour office before booking.

Everglades National Park

• everglades national park

Last updated: January 29, 2024

Free our boats, Kingston cruise operators urge federal government

Several boats trapped on wrong side of damaged, closed lasalle causeway.

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Cruise boat operators in Kingston, Ont., say they're desperately seeking to free vessels marooned on the wrong side of the LaSalle Causeway as the damaged bridge remains closed and the beginning of the busy marine season nears.

With time running out, the companies have proposed opening up another section of the span or hoisting their ships over it.

The unexpected and total shutdown of the causeway has left the Canadian Empress, Island Belle and Island Star all high and dry — blocked from the St. Lawrence River and the wharf where they pick up passengers.

They're trapped, said Eric Ferguson, general manager for Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, which operates the Island Belle and the Island Star.

"May is very busy in Kingston," he said. "Mother's Day weekend is on the way. The Victoria Day weekend is on the way. We would expect to see thousands of passengers. It is not an option to leave those vessels in the Inner Harbour."

No timeline for repairs

The causeway opened more than a century ago and is a key crossing between downtown Kingston and the city's eastern suburbs. Part of it is a  Bascule bridge , which uses a counterweight to let boats through.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) said crews were carrying out scheduled repair work on March 30 when a steel truss supporting that counterweight was damaged.

The bridge has been closed to all users ever since.

In an update on April 12, PSPC announced the bridge would remain closed for "several weeks." While it's working to open it as soon as possible, it has said the problem would not be fixed in time for the beginning of the marine season on May 1.

• Kingston's LaSalle Causeway expected to remain closed for 'several weeks'

That's left dozens of recreational and personal crafts stranded in the Inner Harbour, just a short distance away, along with several cruise boats undergoing maintenance there during the off-season.

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises and St. Lawrence Cruise Lines said the impact of a closure this spring could result in more than a million dollars in lost tourism and economic revenues.

Cruise tickets range from around $40 to $140, depending on the type of excursion. The prices swell upwards of $2,000 for overnight trips, according to prices listed on the cruise companies' websites.

PSPC says 1-time opening not possible

While the priority is getting the bridge open to regular traffic, the companies said they want a solution to their problem.

They say their preferred solution for retrieving their boats would be to have several temporary lifts of the bridge, either using its own mechanism or a crane.

In a statement, a PSPC spokesperson said they're aware the closure has "impacts on marine-based businesses."

However, "a one-time opening of the causeway to allow cruise ships through is not feasible," because the damage to the span prevents it from lifting, their statement said.

Over, under or through

Still, the cruise operators say they're determined to see their vessels somehow get through, under or over the causeway.

They've proposed removing a section of the concrete span from the causeway using a crane or barge, which would allow boats through.

Ferguson has another suggestion.

"Some of those tour boats could be lifted over the causeway," he said. They would use "big cranes," he explained, though acknowledged that would be a more "challenging" option.

His company is fortunate in one sense: one of their boats, the triple-decked Island Queen, is already moored on the correct side of the bridge after being put to work earlier this year during a sold-out eclipse day cruise.

Ferguson said despite the difficulties, he's had encouraging conversations with PSPC and is confident a solution can be found so the boats will be on the right side of the bridge by May.

"We are frustrated, but we're hopeful."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Taekema is CBC’s reporter covering Kingston, Ont. and the surrounding area. He’s worked in newsrooms in Chatham, Windsor, Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. You can reach him by emailing [email protected].

• Follow @DanTaekema on Twitter

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Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

A visit to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge changes with each season! During the summer, thousands of water birds roost on the coastal islands. On summer nights loggerhead sea turtles drag themselves onto refuge beaches to nest. Mangrove cuckoos and black-whiskered vireos can be heard calling from the mangroves as they mark their home territory on the refuge in a flurry of spring activity. Manatees feed within the estuary and find shelter from the cold winter months at nearby Port-of-the-Islands. Wintering waterfowl forage in the drying northern marshes as bald eagles soar over the open water searching for a meal.

Location and Contact Information

The refuge is part of the largest expanse of mangrove forest in North America. Approximately two thirds of the refuge is mangrove forest, which dominates most tidal fringes and the numerous islands, or keys. The northern third of the refuge consists of brackish marsh and interspersed ponds, small coastal hammocks of oak, cabbage palms, and tropical hardwoods such as gumbo limbo. 

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.  

Our Species

The rich estuarine, mangrove, and marsh habitats of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge attract hundreds of species of wildlife. The abundance and diversity of wildlife on Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is directly related to the health and diversity of the habitats on the refuge.

Our Library

Visit our digital library for a one stop shop to see refuge documents and brochures.

Get Involved

From its start in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources. 

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